Reader’s Rebound

Keeping a pulse on what you have to say is the central force behind the Huffman Report. With this said, let’s check out a recent comment, keeping it all real…

A few weeks ago Wilson stated:

“My son is currently going to college. I’m concerned about what he’s going to do once he gets his degree. He’s studying liberal arts. I wonder if he’s going to have an easy path to a career once he is out of school. What can he do to start preparing?”

Thanks for the comment and question.  A degree in Liberal Arts may not be the most sought after degree most employers are seeking but that does not mean this program (or any other college program) should be side-tracked.  My first rule of thumb is to go to college and seek a position in the field you enjoy.  With satisfaction your foundation, positive things will come about.

Let me go into the meat of the comment, what can be done NOW to propel your son’s employability upon graduation.  Most universities and colleges have a department of career services offering support on multiple levels.  Many offer workshops, mock interview sessions, and career collateral.  Encourage him to take a direct line to the office and check out the resources.  If your son is real lucky, the college or university he is attending has our career management collateral as a take-away or for use in workshops (plug in here—if the career services department does not offer our material for their students, maybe it’s time they did).

Besides working with the career services department, students should prepare for the workplace by volunteering or joining the business culture via internships and/or externships.  Bright side here, not only will the student come to truly see how the other half lives, it is not uncommon for internships to turn into permanent positions.

If your son is involved in volunteer work or goes to association meetings, now is an absolutely perfect time to develop network opportunities.  Given most jobs are secured from networking and direct mailing, time is ripe to get out there and let the world know of his upcoming graduation and availability.

In addition to networking, internships, and career service department guidance, students preparing to graduate need to become aware of the value they possess from transferrable skills inherently gained from the college experience and their degree. Take liberal arts, graduating shows the potential employer the candidate can complete an arduous task.  Why do you think many employers will not even talk to a candidate who does not have a degree?  You guessed it, the ability to take on a challenge AND complete the challenge means a great deal.

Perseverance and persistence remains the driving force defining career success and second place. Hopefully your son understands the concept of due diligence… if not, take time to explain instant gratification is not always served hot.

Yet another curve in the road, I gotta get back to the snow and driving for now. This week I’m visiting several college campuses in Ohio and Indiana.  Not too worry, I am missing Orlando; but the weather can’t keep career management down.

I would like to know more about the journey your son is taking.  Keep us in the loop and together, great things are bound to happen.

Danny Huffman, MA,CEIP, CPRW, CPCC, author, educator, and co-owner of Career Services International/Education Career Services.  He may be reached at [email protected] or visit his Career Blog at www.educationcs.wordpress.com.